Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter for a club-record £35.3 million transfer fee, with an Elland Road medical imminent.
According to Sky Sports, Georginio Rutter is closing in on a move to Elland Road, with his medical set to take place in the next 48 hours.
The French striker is being strongly linked with a move to Leeds United this month in a deal that could smash their transfer record. Leeds’ current transfer record stands at £27 million for Rodrigo Moreno, but the deal for Rutter is likely to blow that out of the water.
Indeed, the Whites have seen their opening bid of £26.5 million knocked back by the Bundesliga outfit for the highly-rated France Under-21 international.
However, the talks have progressed well in recent hours and have now reached an advanced stage, with Sky Sports reporting that Rutter is penciled in to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours after both clubs agreed on a transfer package worth up to €40 million.
Leeds United are desperate to sign a new striker in the January transfer window after missing out on several targets, including Bamba Dieng and Cody Gakpo, in the summer.
Patrick Bamford has once again struggled with form and fitness issues this season, meaning that he cannot be trusted to regularly lead the frontline at Elland Road. Jesse Marsch has had to count on young guns like Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto to produce the goods, while Rodrigo has also stepped up his output this season, but they have lacked a natural striker presence up front.
And they may well have found their man, with a move for Rutter imminent. The 20-year-old has already agreed on personal terms with the Peacocks and has been the subject of an exit confirmation from Hoffenheim’s chairman recently.
Signing an excellent prospect with a high upside like Rutter would be a bit of a coup for Leeds. Despite his tender years, he has 69 first-team appearances under his belt. He has 12 senior goals to his name during his career to date, two of which have arrived in 15 appearances during the ongoing campaign.
He can play in all three forward positions as well as the no. 10 position. While the France Under-21 international is not a prolific goalscorer given his record, he works hard and brings a lot of energy to the frontline. He is aggressive, dynamic, and has great movement, attributes that will complement Jesse Marsch’s fast and furious style of football at Elland Road.
Rutter only cost Hoffenheim £700,0000 when he was signed from Rennes in 2021, so the German outfit are getting an exceptional return on investment. This deal appears to be good business for all parties involved. Of course, this deal is not yet rubber-stamped, but Rutter is on the verge of becoming Leeds’ second winter recruit except for any last-minute shenanigans or is subject to successful medical.
